With more than 300 children currently in the care of the council, and a third of these placed outside the local area, local people are being asked to consider becoming a foster carer.
During the nationally-celebrated Foster Care Fortnight (12 May – 25 May), Swindon Borough Council’s Fostering team will be sharing more information about the benefits of being a foster carer, and how to apply, at pop-up events in local libraries and shops.
More than 100 children and young people placed into care live outside the Borough, many miles away from their friends and family, because the council does not have enough local foster carers who can provide a home.
At the pop-up events, council staff will be sharing the stories of residents who have already signed up to be foster carers.
They include Sarah, who has been a foster carer for more than five years and is currently caring for siblings. Sarah said: “Fostering has been everything we had expected. It’s been so rewarding at times and I feel that we’ve had a really positive experience overall.
“Keeping the children together is the best outcome anyone could ever wish for when they can’t be with their family any longer. It means they will grow up together, will always be able to relate to each other and share their memories.
“We’ve always wanted a big family and through fostering we are able to fulfil this lifelong dream.
“Fostering isn’t about just caring for the child, it’s been providing everything they need, from the basics in life, to love, understanding and compassion. We really hope we can give the children the best of everything and that they have the happiness they truly deserve.”
Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “Our foster carers make a real difference to the lives of local children, but we need more. By having more foster carers, we’ll be able to place young people closer to home meaning they will not have to move away from friends and family during what is often already a difficult time.
“I know that being a foster carer is a significant commitment, and it is natural to have questions before you choose to apply. If you are interested in applying, our team can give the answers you need and the chance to speak to carers across our local community.
“If you can, please take your first step towards supporting our most vulnerable children by visiting one of our pop-up events during Foster Care Fortnight.”
To find out more about fostering, residents can visit pop-up events at the following locations during Foster Care Fortnight:
- Central Library (SN1 1QG) on Tuesday,13 May from 1pm until 5pm
- Tesco Extra (SN1 2EH) on Thursday, 15 May from 11am until 3pm
- Asda West Swindon (SN5 7DL) on Friday, 16 May from 11am until 3pm
- West Swindon Library (SN5 7DL) on Tuesday, 20 May from 10am until 2pm
- Asda Walmart (SN25 4BG) on Wednesday, 21 May from 11am until 3pm
- Co-op in Old Town (SN1 3EG) on Thursday, 22 May from 11am until 3pm
- Waitrose (SN1 7BX) on Friday, 23 May from 11am until 3pm
People can also find out more about fostering in Swindon by visiting : www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering.
Alternatively call 07917 503447
or e-mail [email protected]
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